California’s “Grandfather of Marijuana” Released on Bail

Just weeks before recreational pot use became legal in California, the “Last of the Yippies” Dana Beal was being arrested for trying to transport 22 pounds of marijuana out of Northern California. Beal, known as the “Grandfather of Marijuana,” has been an avid proponent of medical-marijuana. He is no stranger to marijuana related arrests. Beal was previously arrested and convicted of transporting more than 100 pounds of marijuana in Nebraska and Wisconsin. In the current case, Beal was the passenger of a vehicle driven by James Statzer. Statzer was reportedly going 15 to 20 miles under the speed limit and swerving when a Trinity County Sheriff conducted a traffic stop. At that time, a K9 unit detected narcotics. Statzer and Beal pleaded not guilty to charges of suspicion of misdemeanor possession of cannabis for sale and felony attempt to transport marijuana across state lines.

Beal was released after posting a $4,500 promissory note through the help of a licensed bail bondsman. The judge agreed to reduce the initial bail set at $75,000 after attorneys for Beal argued that he was not a flight risk and suffers from serious health issues. The 70-year-old had previously suffered a near-fatal heart attack when serving a prison sentence in Nebraska.

Beal has been in the news recently as he advocates a new drug that could be used for addiction treatment. Ibogaine, which is derived from an African plant, is believed to be useful in treating heroin and opioid addiction. Beal has worked to establish clinics in Tibet and Afghanistan. The US Food and Drug Administration has not commented on the effectiveness of Ibogaine for addiction treatment.